Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Department of Natural Resources held an informational meeting Friday for local governing bodies participating in the federal buyout of chronic flood prone properties.

All those attending have applications submitted to buy flood prone properties as part of the damage prevention process.

The structures on these lands are subject to frequent flooding. The goal is to remove these structures so as to lessen that damage from repeat flooding. Repairing the damage from repeat flooding is expensive and clearing the land saves money said.

"The two state agencies were sharing information with participating parties.

Present at the meeting were Jackson County (by phone), City of Metropolis, Ridgway, Junction, Gallatin County, City of Harrisburg and Saline County, Saline County Emergency Management and Gallatin County Emergency Management.

"One thing that was pointed out was that local entities need not use their own tax money to purchase and clear these lands," said Ninness. "The fed provides 75 percent and the state provides 25 percent. Local entities can provide 25 percent if they choose,” Ninness said.

Harrisburg City County in February decided not to pursue the purchase of a property on the belief the city was responsible for a portion of the land price, which is not the case.